Hours Mon–Thu 8–17:30, Fri 8–15 Notarization also in English
Practice Area

Real Estate

Purchase contracts, land charges and developer contracts — legally sound and fully processed.

For most people, buying or selling a property outweighs all other transactions in financial significance. To ensure that buyers and sellers are properly advised and risks are avoided, the involvement of a notary is required by law.

The notary's role

The notary ensures a legally balanced arrangement and helps avoid risks. He obtains the documents required for completion and monitors the transfer of ownership in the land register — so the buyer never pays without receiving the property, and the seller never loses the property without receiving the price.

Every purchase contract governs

  • Protection of buyer and seller
  • Deletion or continuation of encumbrances
  • Warranty for defects
  • Transfer of possession, benefits and burdens
  • Allocation of development costs
  • Need for a survey in the case of partial-plot purchases

Financing & land charge

Financing should be settled before notarization. If a bank loan is used, the notary aligns the due date of the purchase price with the disbursement date. The land charge or mortgage securing the loan can be notarized immediately after the purchase contract.

Special contract types

Real estate contracts may concern a building plot, a single- or multi-family house, a condominium or a heritable building right. A special case is the developer contract, where the buyer acquires a plot together with a building still to be constructed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why must a property purchase be notarized?

The law requires notarization because a property purchase has far-reaching economic consequences. The notary advises both sides neutrally and ensures a legally sound process.

Who chooses the notary?

Usually buyer and seller agree. The notary is impartial and advises both parties equally — regardless of who instructs him.

When is the purchase price due?

Only once all safeguards are in place — in particular the registration of a priority notice and confirmation of freedom from encumbrances. The notary notifies the due date in writing.

How long does the transfer of ownership take?

This depends on the land registry and the tax clearance certificate. Usually a few weeks after full payment of the purchase price.

More practice areas